Swedish Vs Deep Tissue - What’s the difference?
A question I have been asked quite a few times recently is about the difference between Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, so I thought I would share a brief overview in case anyone else was wondering….
First things first, the answer isn’t just pain!
I think when some people think of deep tissue they essentially think it’s a massage that will feel like they are being tortured for an hour! They'll suffer in the treatment room, they’ll be suffering as they leave the treatment room and are likely to only feel better in a couple of days.
Well, I am here to dispel that myth I hope!
A Swedish massage is focused on easing general aches and pains, relieving muscle tension and offering an overall relaxation experience. The pressure really can vary, I like to find out my client's preference and adapt accordingly. Some people also prefer more pressure in certain areas than others.
Typically I find a medium or medium to firm pressure is quite popular with clients, but it is all down to you. Especially as a big part of the massage is about offering relaxation. The massage will have a nice gentle flow, and you will go deeper into relaxation as the massage progresses. (Dreamy right?) Unless a client would like to talk to me I tend to be quiet to allow them to switch off! (Snores are very welcome, there is no judgment for sleeping).
When it comes to Deep Tissue, a key difference is the pressure.
While the pressure does not need to be firm the entire massage, (there are some Swedish elements to warm up the muscles to prepare your body for deep work) it is definitely a massage which applies more pressure than a Swedish massage, especially when it comes to working on the problem areas.
Here lies another difference, typically someone will come for a Deep Tissue massage if they have specific muscle tension that is causing them particular discomfort/pain. I find that a lot of clients see me with pain they are holding in their back, neck and shoulders. (Shock horror as most of my clients are mums carrying children!)
Deep tissue is all about focusing on those key areas and releasing the muscle tension using firm pressure and trigger point therapy. Trigger pointing is when firm pressure, massage or stretches are applied to the muscle until it starts to release. This can be uncomfortable and quite intense at times, especially if the muscles are really tight, but my job as a massage therapist is to communicate with you, and make sure you keep breathing and only use a pressure that you can cope with!
I promise there’s no prize for being able to handle the worst pain ever, that’s not what this is about. We don’t want you gripping the sides of the table in agony, we need those muscles to ease and relax. I like to call it a “sweet pain.” There's something that feels great about it, and even better when it starts to release! (Stick with me, I’m not crazy I promise this can be enjoyable).
Finally one more key difference is I definitely can’t be quiet in a Deep Tissue massage so there is less chance of you switching off. I need to be able to communicate with you to ensure I’m targeting the right areas and that I’m being as effective as possible without causing you to be in too much discomfort. We need to find that sweet spot!
Now don’t get me wrong, Deep Tissue can still be relaxing in places and you will leave feeling amazing. It just has some more intense parts than Swedish massage because we are really focusing on relieving those tight muscles.
There we have it, the key differences between Swedish and Deep Tissue.
Both are brilliant for muscle tension, stress and anxiety.
Both target your body but also help your mind.
Pick Swedish if you really want to switch off from the world and wake up feeling wonderful, relaxed and less achy. Pick Deep Tissue if you enjoy firm pressure and want some key areas really targeted.
If you would like a massage, book an appointment now!
